Keegan Daniel is back as captain of the Sharks, while stalwarts JP Pietersen and Lwazi Mvovo also return to face the Highlanders.

Coach John Plumtree has once again made sweeping changes to the team, re-appointing Daniel as captain, dropping Deysel to the bench. Marcell Coetzee is also back in the loose trio, at the expense of double try scorer Derick Minnie, who might not even make the match 22. Minnie has been bracketed with Odwa Ndungane as Plumtree ponders a four-three or five-two bench split.

The backline has less changes, with fit again Springbok wingers Lwazi Mvovo and JP Pietersen picked.

The midfield duo of Meyer Bosman and Frans Steyn continue after a reasonable performance against the Chiefs.

On the bench we see another Lions recruit joining the fray, JC Janse van Rensburg covering the front row, more importantly, covering loosehead prop. JC should start the next game as the only loosehead in the squad, apart from Mienie, with Herbst returning to the bench covering both positions.